Gophers Meet the Media: Vermont

The Gopher men's hockey team visited with the media ahead of
this weekend's nonconference tilt with the Vermont Catamounts of Hockey East.

This is the Gophers first-ever trip to Vermont, meaning the
team will have to adjust to a new environment.

"I have never been to Vermont, so it will be a fun
experience," the team's leading scorer Erik Haula said. Haula and his teammates
will get their first taste of Gutterson Fieldhouse, the home of Vermont hockey.

"Normally, we would practice here before we go, but since we
have never been in (Vermont's) rink before we will practice there to get a feel
for it," head coach Don Lucia said.

The Gophers are familiar with the Catamounts after splitting
a pair of games with them at Mariucci Arena last season.

"I think they are a similar team," Lucia said. "They have a
couple guys who are hurt right now, so it will be interesting to see who is in
their lineup. It should be a good atmosphere and a really good test for our
guys."

An adventure outside of the WCHA provides a great chance for
the entire roster to experience a road-trip.

"It is nice that we get to take the whole team," Lucia said.
"We do not have to worry about travel restrictions because it is a non-league
game. Some guys that haven't had the chance to go on a trip yet will have that
opportunity."

Both contests will start at 6 p.m. CT and can be seen on Fox
Sports North.